Main Page

Positive Feedback:
  • Widgets – nice job using more than just static images on your wiki pages. The streaming video adds a degree of interactivity.
  • Design/Layout – heads and subheads are consistent. Fonts and colors are consistent. The layout flows well and is easy to read.
  • Navigation – good job including links to your blogs as well as to each of your wiki pages.
  • Introductory paragraphs – well-written, clear, and informative. Your information will help readers new to this way of teaching better understand PBL. Nice use of wikilinks.
  • Planning steps – great job rephrasing most of this information into your own words. You did not have to do this, but I really appreciate that you did!

Suggested Improvements:
  • Introductory paragraphs – do not bold the paragraph text.
  • Resources list – capitalize the first word of each annotation. Be consistent! Also, several of the links lead readers to the same site. Be sure you know what each person posts so you don’t create redundancies. One visit to Edutopia or PBL-Online is enough!



Brainstorming

Positive Feedback:
  • Mind maps – nice use of captions to explain each image on the page.
  • Planning resources – excellent job providing evidence of your collaborations! This is very impressive.

Suggested Improvements:
  • Mind map – the link to the larger image doesn’t work, making it impossible for me to read your brainstorming ideas.



Red Wiggler Recycle Project (perhaps Recycling, not Recycle?)

Samantha – Your project description is clearly written and readers can quickly ascertain what the project is about and what it entails. The specifics provided leave little room for misunderstanding. By the end of the paragraph, I want to teach it! May I suggest you also try to get the PSA shown on the local news or cable access channel? The community would LOVE to see this project in action, and what outstanding P.R. it would provide you and your district.

Christine – You clearly describe the PSA portion of the project and even include specific information about some of the criteria required. However, be sure to also include a description of the other half of the project…the actual compost pile. This is an important piece of the puzzle!

Sarah – At first read, I was worried, as you quote standards language without actually citing specific standards. However, when I got to the end of the paragraph, I clicked the link to your word file and WOW! The information you provide is very thorough. It really strengthens your paragraph, which now I understand is more of an introduction to the standards, explaining in prose form how they relate. Impressive!!

Stephanie – You have more than one DQ, and I suggest you split them into separate questions, especially since the first one (What is the process of composting?) is not truly the DQ. DQs are supposed to elicit higher-level thinking and the first one only requires fact-based answers. Your second question (How can composting benefit…) is a much more thought-provoking question, and brings the project into focus. You could also ask HLT questions such as “What would happen if no one composted?” or “Why does X take longer to compost than Y?”

Miriam – You thoroughly explained how technology plays a key role throughout the project. I have a feeling there are even more ways to integrate it (document cameras to display information to all students, for example). Well done!


Summary

This is a highly successful wiki! You satisfied all criteria and went above and beyond the scope of the assignment, adding elements that really enhance your pages. I love how multi-faceted your project is – the kids will be thrilled to be a part of such an exciting, engaging project. I want to commend you on your collaboration process. Your group really worked to include everyone throughout the wiki project. Your various modes of brainstorming were outstanding, and I appreciate seeing what went on behind the scenes. You are a powerful PLN!!!

smile.jpgMrs. Langston